City
Gleason declares Auburn hub of Maine
AUBURN — Calling his city the hub of Maine for business and recreation, Mayor Dick Gleason unveiled a bumper sticker and ambassador program Monday night.
"It is time to roll up our sleeves, get to work, continue reducing the property tax burden and bring more good-paying jobs to Auburn," Gleason said. "I'd like to see the day come when our children can stay in Auburn rather than having to leave Maine for lack of opportunity."
Gleason and the 2009-11 Auburn City Council were sworn in at a small official ceremony at Auburn Hall Monday night. They include incumbents Michael Farrell, Robert Hayes, Dan Herrick and David Young and newly elected councilors Belinda Gerry and Eric Samson. Ward 5 Councilor Ray Berube, at home with the flu, was unable to attend the swearing in.
Most then trooped off to Central Maine Community College's Kirk Hall Gymnasium for the rest of the pomp. Councilors Farrell and Herrick skipped the CMCC ceremony and Councilor Belinda Gerry chose to stay at the back of the room for the duration.
"I don't like all the pomp," she said.
The celebration included a procession led by the Auburn Firefighters Local 797 Honor Guard and performances by the Edward Little High School band and local singers Bruce Gerry, Chris Camire and Kary Young Coffin.
The future for Auburn is optimistic, Gleason said. The area is becoming a transportation hub, with links to air, rail and car travel. Manufacturing is another economic high point, he said.
"The next time you are driving around the Auburn exit of the Maine Turnpike, draw a picture in your mind of a 1 mile circle around that area," he said. "Economically, that circle is one of the hottest in Maine."
He unveiled a logo for bumper and window stickers and program declaring Auburn the hub of Maine. Residents Ed Desgrosseilliers and Bob Cavanaugh will head a committee to spread that message.
"First I'm asking each of you to put a bumper or window sticker on your car," he said. "And second I'm asking you to help Ed and Bob get every business in Auburn to put one of these stickers on their door."
The bumper stickers will be available in Auburn Hall.
In his address, School Committee Chair David Das listed the goals from his newly elected school committee. Some called for careful spending and lower taxes, others for a new high school or better capital or technological spending.
Das himself called for patience, good humor and hard work from both councilors and school committee members.
"Can we accomplish all this in the next two years? I doubt it," Das said. "But it's especially important right now that we move forward."
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DR is clearly a crampsack.
DR is clearly a crampsack. The one thing Auburn has is a ton of space. There is a ton of land in auburn to do just about anything with. Auburn could host an Jetport. Auburn should also have a new mall. Tear down that pile of crap mall we have now. It is on deadmalls.com.
Kind of snubbed Lewiston
Kind of snubbed Lewiston though..no comments as to the sister city? Can't imagine a warm reception when he comes across the river looking for help anytime soon....
Sorry, but L/A is the
Sorry, but L/A is the armpit, not the hub, of Maine. It is definitely the center of "you can't get there from here", due to having unsynchronized traffic lights every few hundred feet that make it impossible to get across town in any kind of reasonable timeframe. If I want to get to an appointment 3 miles away I have to allow 20 minutes. Nobody looks forward to going into town to do business, between the traffic and lack of parking. The only success story in this region is the Auburn Mall area, where either by design or chance, traffic actually flows correctly between the stores. Not on the streets leading TO the stores though! It's frankly easier to get to the stores in South Portland or Augusta.
I appreciate Mayor Gleason's intent but let's be honest --- bragging about how great an area is BEFORE it's actually great is counter-productive. First achieve the goal, then brag.
Oh, and Belinda Gerry needs to either learn to play nice with others or stop embarrassing the town by refusing to take part in official functions, like a pouting 5 year old. Refusing to take part in a town ceremony because "I don't like pomp" is incredibly unprofessional. What is this, Mayberry RFD?
Have you ever lived in any
Have you ever lived in any other city ? Portland/South Portland traffic is far worse. Parking in downtown L/A is a breeze, if you're willing to walk a couple blocks. There are MANY success stories in recent L/A history. The area has come so far. Granted, still has a long way to go, but it still is set-up for success in the future.
Perception is reality. Mr. Gleason is wise to work on changing the perception.
Herrick and Farrell once again showed how to be unprofessional and petty.
verified It's far easier to park
It's far easier to park anywhere in L/A then Portland (specially the downtown areas). Apparently someone doesn't get out often.
verified At least Councilor Gerry
At least Councilor Gerry showed up, unlike Councilors Farrell and Herrick.
verified I was going to say much of
I was going to say much of the same thing. Thanks for saving me the typing.
HAHAHA, our Mayor is made of
HAHAHA, our Mayor is made of pure awesomness!
I think Auburn needs a new seal though
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verified Hrmmmm... MAYBE of Central
Hrmmmm... MAYBE of Central Maine, but Portland IS the hub of Maine. Portland already has the airport, railway, car traffic, has two commercial bus lines and lets not forget the sea ports. Saying that is like when someone called Auburn a "shopping mecca." Which besides South Portland, I'd give that title to Bangor before Auburn. Just saying.
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